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Tri-Color Pasta Salad

32 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Makes

14 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
Tackle gatherings with a bright side dish. This tri-color pasta salad with broccoli, tomatoes, olives and a hardworking dressing is one of the easiest cold pasta salad recipes you could take. —Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts
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Ingredients

  • 1 package (12 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 ounces) pitted ripe olives, drained
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1-1/2 cups Italian salad dressing with roasted red pepper and Parmesan

Directions

  1. In a Dutch oven, cook pasta according to package directions, adding the broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse in cold water.
  2. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, olives, salt and pepper. Drizzle with salad dressing; toss to coat. Chill until serving.
Tri-Color Pasta Salad Tips

Can you use different kinds of pasta in tri-color pasta salad?

While one of the defining characteristics of this recipe is the multi-colored noodles, you can swap in the short pasta shape of your choice, whether it's farfalle (bowtie), radiatore, gemelli or orecchiete. Check out our guide to pasta shapes for more ideas.

Can you use a different type of salad dressing to make tri-color pasta salad?

Most tri-color pasta salad recipes call for Italian dressing, but that doesn't mean you can't experiment with different options. Caesar or green goddess dressing would both create creamy and flavorful variations. Otherwise, check out our picks for the best Italian dressing brands if you want to make sure you're picking up a great bottle at the store.

What else can you put in tri-color pasta salad?

There are so many options! Try salami, mozzarella or feta cheese, or crunchy veggies like bell peppers, carrots or cucumbers. Or turn this pasta salad into a main dish by tossing in some pre-cooked shrimp or chicken.

What can you serve with tri-color pasta salad?

Any of these grilled recipes would be a great place to start. Otherwise, pasta salad is a delicious accompaniment to an awesome sandwich like this Cobb salad sub or these hoagie recipes.

Can you make tri-color pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it's probably best made a little ahead of time so the flavors have a chance to blend together. Keep some extra dressing on hand for last minute tossing, in case the pasta salad gets dry.

How long will tri-color pasta salad last?

Tri-color pasta salad will last for 4 to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. If you liked this recipe, try more of our best cold pasta salad recipes.

—Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor, and Lauren Pahmeier, Taste of Home Associate Editor

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 149 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.